Foam Concrete Advantages

High Strength with Low Density

Typical cast densities range from 350-1600 kg/m3,with compressive strengths of 0.2 to 12+ MPa respectively. With its low density, foam concrete imposes little vertical stress on the substructure, a particularly important issue in areas sensitive to settlement. Due to its low density, foam concrete is a viable solution for reducing loading on burden soil. Additionally, foam concrete is less susceptible to differential settlement. Heavier density foam concrete with higher strengths is produced and used for specialty applications.

Well Bonded Body

Foam concrete forms a rigid, well-bonded body after gelling (hydrating); thus, it is effectively a freestanding structure on its own and does not impose lateral loads on adjacent structures. The material can be constructed into various formations and profiles through forming and stepping of successive lifts. Foam concrete can also be machined to create a desired effect.

No Compaction Required

In some cases mechanical compaction can be difficult and unsafe due to limited or inaccessible areas. In excavations with poor soils that are not easily compacted. Foam concrete forms a 100% compacted foundation over the soft soil. With compaction of conventional backfill against retaining structures or deep foundations, traditional methods can cause damage or movement to the adjacent structure in these instances foam concrete is a great solution.

High Fluidity

Foam Concrete pumps easily and relatively low pressure via hoses over long distances. For applications over 1000 meters such as pipe in tunnel backfill, the slurry is pumped through the pipe with the pre-formed foam injected near the point of placement. The material is naturally self-levelling and fills the smallest voids, cavities and seams. When placing in excavations, foam concrete conforms to every sub grade.

Rapid Installation

High volume production and placement (via hoses) of foam concrete is a continuous operation from the mobile central batching plant located on site. Since the foam is the largest volume contributor in foam concrete, limited deliveries of the raw materials are required, which results in minimal disruption to the construction site. With our patented high volume production equipment Foam Concrete Limited can produce and place foam concrete on location at rates of 100 cubic meters per operating hour over distances of 800 linear meters from the batching plant.

Ease of Removal

Foam concrete can be designed for specific strengths to allow for the future removal for maintenance of utilities or excavations. Sometimes excavations of CLSM (cement lime sand mortar) or other flow able fill material can be susceptible to unpredictable gains in strength due to delivery and production methods. Foam concrete is produced on site to exact requirements, and can be easily excavated with common construction equipment.